The Diving Board
by Elton John
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2013
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. mchlkirk77
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    Elton John at his best, even better when it comes to pure classical piano. Every song is so heartfelt and the way the piano is masterfully highlighted in most songs makes this album entirely captivating in my view.
  2. Jonrick
    Dec 15, 2013
    10
    I was never a big fan of Elton's hit's. I found solitude in his songs that were tucked away on his albums that unless you are an advert fan of Elton you might never hear. Songs like Cry to heaven. or One more arrow to name a few. I am thrilled to have this Elton album in my collection. I have listened to it several times and will continue to do so until I know every lyric. I love EltonI was never a big fan of Elton's hit's. I found solitude in his songs that were tucked away on his albums that unless you are an advert fan of Elton you might never hear. Songs like Cry to heaven. or One more arrow to name a few. I am thrilled to have this Elton album in my collection. I have listened to it several times and will continue to do so until I know every lyric. I love Elton John when he is being Elton John and not so much the performer....… Expand
  3. Psikolog
    Apr 3, 2016
    10
    Elton John and the piano, this combination never disappointed me and The Diving Board is just what I want to hear from him. His voice is so beautiful and so strong, plus the piano makes his vocals even stronger and more emotional. It's definitely one of my favorite albums.
  4. PedroH5523
    Feb 13, 2019
    10
    Elton John is better here than in Peachtree Road or The Captain & The Kid, his best album since Songs From The West Coast!!!
  5. adhamhany
    Feb 1, 2014
    2
    I'm sorry, but this is very boring. It pains me to say such a thing about Elton John's work, but it is. The whole album just feels like one long snooze. Even the 3 'Dream' tracks, which are the only redeeming aspect, are pretty short to make a difference.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    40
    The Diving Board is less engaging, widescreen lyrics paired with waddling blues and maudlin balladry. [Oct 2013, p.104]
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 21, 2013
    40
    [Elton John] eschews formulaic pop for the stripped barroom noir of "Oscar Wilde Gets Out" and church hymn "A Town Named Jubilee." All too soon, though, "My Quicksand," which would be a perfect Rufus Wainwright vehicle, sinks overwrought while drawing the disc's Maginot Line. Only the Eighties-esque "Can't Stay Alone Tonight" rallies after that.
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  3. Record Collector
    Oct 30, 2013
    80
    It may be too reserved for excitable fans hoping for I’m Still Standing sequels, but the purity and simplicity of this unadorned balladry (Can’t Stay Alone Tonight, The New Fever Waltz) may bring many who fell by the wayside back into the fold.
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